2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Caliber (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 280 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Caliber is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Dodge Caliber (170 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caliber | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
